Modi’s Mann ki Baat: PM Defends Frequent Changes in Note Ban Rules

PM Modi also announced the government’s plans to hold weekly lucky draws to promote cashless transactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the frequent changes in the rules of demonetisation during his last Mann Ki Baat radio address for 2016 on 25 December.

He said that the changes were aimed at easing the problems faced by the common public while also defeating the forces who are standing in the way of the government’s war against black money and corruption.

The government, being a sensitive government, amends rules as required, keeping the convenience of the people as its foremost consideration, so that citizens are not subjected to hardships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

He thanked the nation for enduring the "pain" caused by the government's 8 November decision that has caused an unprecedented cash crunch in the country.

I congratulate people for not only enduring pain, but also for giving appropriate answers to those who were trying to mislead them.

“Note Ban Was Just the Beginning”

Modi urged his listeners to cooperate with the government to make the "war on corruption" a success. He said tip-offs from the public had helped the authorities nab a number of black money hoarders.

I assure you that this is not the end. This is just the beginning in our fight against corruption. We have to win this war against corruption and black money. There is no question of stopping or going back in this fight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

He lauded the people of the nation for exposing wrongdoers and for refusing to fall prey to those who stand in the way of the government’s clamp down on black money. Many faced hardships and inconvenience, but "answered back to those who publicly tried to mislead them," he said.

Everyday many new people are being taken into custody, currency notes are being seized, raids are being carried out.Influential persons are being caught. The secret is that my sources of such information are people themselves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi Announces Lucky Draws to Promote Cashless Economy

The PM announced lucky draw schemes for people who use digital payment methods including e-banking, mobile banking and e-wallets.

He said the government would organise one draw every week and that the winners would be rewarded in lakhs.

This scheme will last for 100 days (from Sunday). Lakhs of people will get crores of rupees. On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti – 14 April 2017 – we will be conducting a bumper draw, in which the winning price will be in crores.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

PM Modi Greets Nation on Christmas

Prime Minister Modi also wished the nation on Christmas and said it was a day of service and compassion.

Modi said Jesus not only served the poor, but he "has also appreciated the service done by the poor. This is real empowerment".

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. It is the day when people should serve with compassion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi